Mexico’s new constitution, promulgated on February 5,…

Mexico’s new constitution, promulgated on February 5, 1857, is derived from that of 1824 but reflects a more liberal vision of society through its incorporation of the Reform Laws.

It reaffirms the abolition of slavery, secularizes education, and guarantees basic civil liberties for all Mexicans.

Both the Reform Laws and the constitution, however, divide the political classes between liberals and conservatives and sets the stage for a civil war.